Department of Mathematics

Jace Kohlmeier, B. S. in Mathematics and B. S. in Computer Science '99, gave a talk entitled Careers in Quantitative Finance. He described statistical investing for one of the world's largest hedge funds, career options on Wall Street and beyond using math degrees, and the desired skill set in math, economics, and computer science. Jace is an Investment Analyst for Citadel Investments Group in Chicago.

Jim Baxter, B. S. in Mathematics '63, spoke about Lessons Learned in Solving the Complex Equation of Career Planning. He described how the math curriculum allowed him to get into a lot of things that helped him later in his business career. He said that a math degree is valuable as it provides the opportunity to broaden your skill set and develops your logical reasoning skills. He gave some examples to show how mathematical modeling can be used to break down complex problems into manageable chunks and take the guesswork out of business solutions. Jim was a Vice President for Pepsico Food Service International and for Tupperware and the President of Brazos Valley Restaurants. He now is owner and President of Sutton Homes in Orlando. Jim was our 2008 Distinguished Mathematics Alumnus.

Kathy Wade, B. S. in Mathematics '98, talked about Mathematicians and the NSA. The National Security Agency is the world's largest employer of mathematicians, but is shrouded in mystery and steeped in popular misconception. Kathy described what it is really like to work for the NSA. She said that mathematicians at the Agency are typically solving problems especially computer aided problem solving. They work in teams developing mathematical models and algorithms to protect our communication systems and break other communication systems. Kathy is a Cryptologic Mathematician for the National Security Agency.

Lynn Y. S. Lin, M. S. in Statistics '63, gave a talk entitled Modeling Consumer Purchase Behavior - Practical Application of Your Math and Stat Learning. Lynn described how to study consumer purchase behavior and use it to build a mathematical model for forcasting future sales. He gave detailed examples of consumer panel data, trial and true repeat curves, geometric stretch functions to model the data, and the Fourt Woodlock calculation to forecast consumer product potential before the product goes on the market. Dr. Lin is currently President of his own consulting company in Cincinatti after retiring as Vice Chairman of ACNielsen BASES. Previously Lynn was President of BASES International and Chairman/CEO of Burke International Research, Inc. of New York. Lin is the developer of the BASES system which is the most frequently used new product sales forcasting model with 70% market share worldwide.

Eric Gerelle, Ph. D. in Mathematics '76, gave a talk on An Application of Mathematics to Microeconomics which illustrated the application of mathematical modeling to microinsurance in rural India. Microinsurance schemes provide insurance for poor persons who are not covered by existing social or commercial insurance. CHAT (Choosing Healthplans All Together) is a game like tool which enables a local community to jointly define the benefit package most relevant to their needs. In CHAT even illiterate and innumerate people can participate and decide on the composition of their health insurance. The process creates transparency and introduces democratic choices as an integral part of designing health insurance. Eric explained how mathematics is used to analyse the outcomes of CHAT games, represent the decision-making process and identify the structure of the benefit package most suitable for a particular community. Dr. Gerelle is Director of IBEX Project Services in Geneva.

Kevin McBeth, B. S. in Mathematics and Statistics '07, talked about Finding an Internship in Actuarial Science. He described the key steps in the process: pass an actuarial exam; do well in college; look for companies to apply to; prepare resume and cover letter for each one; and interview. Kevin is a Bond and Financial Actuary for Travelers Companies, Inc. in Saint Paul.

John Lewis, B. S. in Mathematics '65 and M. S. in Mathematics '66, described The Mathematical Travels of a Kansas Farm Boy. John gave a brief account of his mathematical career and the mathematics which has interested him, including function theory, harmonic analysis, and partial differential equations. John received a Ph. D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1970. Dr. Lewis is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and was our 2007 Distinguished Mathematics Alumnus.

Mark Lesperance, B. S. in Mathematics '90 and M. S. in Mathematics '91, gave A Delicious Introduction to Auto Rates and the Actuarial Profession. He described some great opportunities to utilize math and statistics in an actuarial career. He outlined the types of problems that actuaries solve and used snack packs of M&M's to help explain the complexities of auto insurance pricing. Mark prices crop insurance and develops new products as a casualty actuary working for Producers Agricultural Insurance Company in Amarillo, Texas.

Roger Bey visited Kansas State and gave a lecture on Careers in Finance for Mathematics Majors. Roger is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Finance and Operations Research at the University of Tulsa.

Dave Auckly spoke on Undergraduate Research. Marianne Korten spoke on How To Be the Best Math Student You Can Be. Dave and Marianne are professors of mathematics at K-State. Karl Kandt spoke on The Career Fair, Internships, and Co-op Work Experiences. Karl Is assistant director of Career and Employment Services at K-State.